India tables landmark Nuclear Energy Bill to power a clean, secure future

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 15, 2025

In a significant move aimed at modernising India’s nuclear energy governance, the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Monday introduced the *Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025* in Parliament. The proposed legislation marks a decisive step towards aligning the country’s nuclear framework with its long-term energy, climate and technological ambitions.

The Bill seeks to repeal two cornerstone legislations — the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 — and replace them with a single, comprehensive law that reflects contemporary realities and future energy needs. According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, decades of sustained research and development have enabled India to achieve self-reliance across the nuclear fuel cycle and operate its nuclear power programme with a strong record of responsibility and safety.

Building on this foundation, the government now aims to significantly scale up nuclear installed capacity as a pillar of clean energy security. Nuclear power, the Statement notes, can provide reliable, round-the-clock electricity to support emerging demands such as data centres and future-ready digital and industrial applications, while complementing renewable energy sources.

The Bill is closely interwoven with India’s climate and energy roadmap, including the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and a target of 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047. To meet these goals, the proposed law emphasises optimal utilisation of indigenous nuclear resources and enables active participation from both public and private sectors, while positioning India as a credible contributor to the global nuclear energy ecosystem.

On the regulatory front, the legislation lays down a clear framework for licensing, safety authorisation, and oversight of entities involved in the production and use of nuclear energy. It also extends regulation to nuclear and radiation technologies used in healthcare, food and agriculture, industry and research, while exempting research, development and innovation activities from licensing to encourage scientific advancement.

Importantly, the Bill proposes a revised and pragmatic civil liability regime for nuclear damage and grants statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. It further strengthens provisions related to safety, security, safeguards, quality assurance and emergency preparedness. New institutional mechanisms are envisaged, including an Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council, Claims Commissioners, and a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission for severe incidents, with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity designated as the appellate authority.

By tabling this Bill, the government has underscored its intent to modernise nuclear governance in step with India’s energy transition and international commitments — balancing expansion with safety, accountability and public interest as the nation advances towards a lower-carbon, energy-secure future.